Childrens bunk beds

Space can often be an issue when it comes to planning the ideal room layout for your kids, particularly when they are sharing the same room. Bunk beds are the ideal solution in this instance and it's no accident that they are the most popular form of children's bedroom furniture.

Cheap childrens bunk beds

The design of the classic bunk bed has more or less stayed the same over the years, which is a testament to the ingenuity of the original idea. It's difficult to improve a perfect design and the simple idea of having two individual bed frames which can be stacked to save space is one which remains as popular today as it has always done.

This said, although the basic concept has stayed the same, the range of colours, materials and design details has altered quite a lot over the last few years. Gone are the days when bunk beds were plain pine or tubular metal, they are now available in a variety of materials and colour options to suit most schemes and budgets.

Solid wooden and metal bunk beds are the most versatile, not only will they last forever but can also be given a new lease of life by simply re-painting or varnishing and by purchasing new mattresses. Another benefit is that they can be sold-on or passed down to other family members when your children have out grown them.

Variations on the Bunk Bed Theme
There are several bed designs which have evolved from the initial concept of a traditional bunk. Captain's beds and mid-sleepers are just two examples.

By incorporating other furniture pieces within the design the space savings can be considerable. Some mid-sleepers will include wardrobe space, shelving and even a study desk - when you consider how much space these individual items of children's furniture would take-up the benefits are obvious, not to mention the cost savings.

Buying a Children's Bunk Bed
Most importantly you should have a look at as many kinds of bunk beds as you can but here's a few tips to bear in mind:

    Ideally you should see a bunk which is already assembled; this will give you an idea of how well the individual parts fit together and the overall quality of build. Beds made from tubular steel can vary in quality quite considerably so these kind of beds merit a more thorough inspection. A lightweight bed may be easy to transport and assemble but two boisterous children will soon test its limits.
    Bear in mind how simple the bunk bed will be to assemble and disassemble. Initially this shouldn't be too much of an issue but when it comes to redecorating the room, rearranging bedrooms or moving house you'll want a bed which can be taken down and put back together easily and quickly. Keep an eye to the future as well, a bunk which can easily be split into two individual beds offers the most versatility. Some metal bunk beds don't have this functionality whereas most wooden beds do. If your kids are likely to have guests staying over then consider a bunk which incorporates a truckle bed in the base. These simple pull-out beds are ideal for occasional sleep-over's and can also double as handy storage space.
    Your child's safety should be paramount when buying a bunk bed. Access ladders should be well constructed and not easily removed and the top bunk should also include guard rails which prevent your child from falling off the edge and, again, should be constructed in such a way that a child can not accidentally remove them.
    Some bunks are supplied with mattresses complete and with others they are supplied separately so bear this in mind when comparing prices. Check also that the bed will take a standard sized single mattress and not be an obscure dimension where you are forced to buy a special mattress size which will usually be a lot more costly.
    If buying mattresses separately always buy the best quality you can afford - not only will these last longer but will ensure your child gets the best possible sleep each night.
    If you are on a budget but still want the best quality then consider buying second-hand bunks. Traditional wooden beds can soon be re-painted and given a new leas of life, with new mattresses no one will know the difference.

Whatever kind of bunk bed you opt to buy it's important to take your time and consider all of the options. Try not to be persuaded by price alone; often the difference between a poor quality bed and a good one is only a few pounds extra and will be more than paid back over the many years of functional use your children will benefit from it.

Childrens bunk beds